Ace Your MBA Interview: What You Need to Know

For those of you who have received MBA interview invitations, congratulations! Today we’re sharing Admitify’s tips on how to ace your interview, including some of the questions you can expect, and how to tailor your questions depending on the interviewer.

Many business schools employ varying interview practices during their MBA admissions process. Some choose to interview all applicants, while others conduct interviews only after an initial screening review. The specific interview policies may fall somewhere in between. Regardless of the approach taken by the schools to which you’re applying, the business school interview holds significant weight in your MBA admissions journey. Whether you’re facing an interview with admissions staff, alumni, students, or faculty members, a subpar performance can adversely affect your chances, whereas an outstanding one can propel your candidacy forward.

It’s important to note that while most business school essay questions can be categorized into a few basic topics, the scope of potential interview questions is considerably broader. While many schools limit their essay requirements to three to six essays, a 30-minute interview can encompass ten or more questions, ranging from inquiries about your academic background to whimsical hypotheticals like, “If you were a vegetable, which one would you be, and why?” The unpredictability of interview questions is one reason why business schools continue to include them in their assessment process, as they offer a unique way to evaluate candidates beyond what essays can reveal.

Nonetheless, certain interview questions tend to be asked consistently. These include the following core questions:

Core Questions:

• What are your career goals?
• Why do you want to pursue an MBA?
• Why have you chosen our school?
• Walk me through your resume and explain any gaps

In addition to these core questions, it’s advisable to prepare for three broad categories of questions:

Behavioral Questions:

These involve hypothetical or situational inquiries designed to gauge your decision-making and interpersonal skills.

• How would you handle a situation where your team had a different opinion from yours while working on a project late at night?
• Describe your managerial style and how you motivate people.

Tough Questions:

These are more personal inquiries aimed at understanding your character and fit for the program.

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why should we admit you?
• What unique qualities would you bring to our program?

Questions for the Interviewer:

At the end of the interview, you should be prepared to ask the interviewer questions. Avoid generic or easily accessible queries, as they may signal disinterest or lack of preparation. The type of questions you ask depends on the role of the person interviewing you:

For the Admissions Committee. If you are interviewed by an admissions committee member, ask questions that showcase your knowledge of the school and delve into specific academic or extracurricular interests.

• Avoid questions that cast the school in a negative light or reflect anxiety about the admissions process.

For Student Interviewers. If a current student conducts your interview, you can ask more specific questions about the curriculum, professors, and the student experience.

• Remember that students, while approachable, are evaluating you as potential peers, so maintain a positive and professional demeanor.

For Alumni Interviewers. Interviews with alumni can vary widely, so your questions should be tailored to their experiences.

• Avoid making assumptions about their current knowledge of the program.
• Many alumni appreciate questions about their own experiences and the impact of the MBA program on their careers.

By preparing for a variety of interview scenarios and asking insightful questions, you can better position yourself for success during the MBA admissions interview.

Contact us today and we’ll help you prepare for your MBA interview!